Christmas Home Decorating Contest

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Join JC Parks and the News Tribune for the 41st Annual Christmas Home Decorating Contest. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning participant, you can compete to win in one of the six contest categories or enter just for fun to be included on the Christmas Lights Tour map. Every entry helps brighten our community, and if you prefer, only your address — not your name — will be listed on the map. 2026 Categories: Clark Griswold: For the ultimate lighting enthusiast — bold, bright, and brilliantly over the top! Judges will look for construction, creativity, and overall wow factor. Charlie Brown: Perfect for the simple, heartfelt display that captures the true Christmas spirit. Sometimes less really is more! Norman Rockwell: For timeless elegance and classic beauty that complements your home’s natural charm. Tasteful, balanced, and picture-perfect. O Holy Night: For displays that celebrate the reason for the season with a religious or nativity theme. Handmade elements or creative craftsmanship will earn extra points. Christmas Classics: Formerly the “TV Christmas Classics” category; from Frosty to Rudolf and Buddy the Elf to the Grinch – this category celebrates holiday nostalgia! Bring your favorite Christmas or TV movie moments to life with lights, characters, and storytelling. Non-competitive Category: Include your home on the Christmas Lights Tour map without all the competition Contest rules: The contest opens on Monday, November 23, 2026 and is open to residents within Jefferson City limits who submit the entry form by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2026. The form will appear multiple times in the Jefferson City News Tribune. Entrants must choose to compete or be listed only on the Christmas Lights Tour; competitors must select one of the six categories on their entry form. Judges cannot change the chosen category. The preliminary judging will occur December 11 – 15, 2026 to pick Ward winners in each category.  They will receive a yard sign by December 18. All entries and the Christmas Lights Tour Map will be published in the December 16 edition of the News Tribune, along with a mail-in ballot for the People’s Choice Award. Judging to pick the overall winners in each category will take place December 15 – 19, 2026.  The overall winners will receive a plaque or trophy in recognition of their display by December 23, 2026. The overall winners as well as the People’s Choice winner will be announced in the December 24 or 27 edition of the New

Also at All Around JCMO

• Dec 12, 10:00 AMTeam Up Clean Up: December

More Arts & Culture events in Jefferson City

• Nov 26, 5:00 PMAdult Ballet
  Magnolia Dance Studio
• Dec 3Stained Glass Theatre of Mid-Mo presents Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
  Stained Glass Theatre
• Dec 3, 5:00 PMAdult Ballet
  Magnolia Dance Studio
• Dec 4Capital City Festival of Lights
  Binder Park (Park Entrance)
• Dec 4, 6:00 PMLiving Windows
  Downtown Jefferson City

Source: jcparks.com ↗